Whole House Water Filter and Softener Combo: Installation Costs Explained

A whole house water filter and softener combo gives you the best of both worlds — contaminant removal and hard water treatment from a single point-of-entry system. Here’s a clear breakdown of what it costs in Australia and what affects the price.

See our related guides: Whole House Filter & Softener Systems and Whole House Water Filters Guide. Browse our whole house filter range.

Why You Might Need Both a Filter and a Softener

Water filters and water softeners solve different problems. A filter removes chlorine, sediment, heavy metals, and chemical contaminants. A softener removes calcium and magnesium (the minerals that cause hard water scale). If your water is both hard and contains chlorine or other contaminants — which is common in many Australian towns — a combo system addresses both issues in one installation.

Cost Breakdown

System Cost

Combo systems range from $300 for a basic filter-only setup to $4,000+ for a premium multi-stage filter + salt-based softener system. The most common configuration for Australian homes — a twin Big Blue filter system paired with a salt-free scale conditioner — typically falls in the $800–$2,000 range.

Installation Cost

Professional plumber installation ranges from $400 to $1,500+ depending on:

• Accessibility of the main water line
• Pipe material (copper requires soldering; PEX is faster)
• Number of stages and complexity of the system
• Whether a bypass valve and pressure gauge are included
• State and local plumber rates

For a straightforward installation on accessible plumbing, most licensed plumbers complete the job in 2–4 hours.

Ongoing Costs

• Filter cartridges: $80–$200/year depending on number of stages and water quality
• Salt-based softener: salt top-up every 4–8 weeks ($20–$50/bag); resin replacement every 10–15 years
• Salt-free conditioner: media replacement every 3–5 years

Key Factors That Affect Total Cost

• Water hardness level: harder water requires a higher-capacity softener, which costs more
• Household size: larger households need higher flow rate systems (measured in GPM)
• Contaminants present: iron, chloramines, or bacteria may require additional filter stages
• Valve type: metered valves (which regenerate based on actual water usage) are more efficient and cost-effective long-term than timed valves
• Salt vs salt-free: salt-based softeners genuinely soften water; salt-free conditioners reduce scale without adding sodium — a better choice for drinking water and gardens

Is It Worth It?

A quality combo system installed by a licensed plumber will typically last 15–20 years. Over that period, the savings on appliance repairs, plumbing maintenance, bottled water, and point-of-use filters make the upfront investment worthwhile for most households with hard or heavily chlorinated water.

Frequently Asked Questions